Megistonyx
The topic of Megistonyx is an issue that has generated great interest and debate in recent times. With the advancement of technology and changes in society, Megistonyx has become a crucial aspect that affects different areas of our lives. On a personal, professional, social and political level, the importance of Megistonyx is undeniable. In this article we will explore different aspects related to Megistonyx, analyzing its impact and relevance in various contexts. From its origin to its evolution, through its implications and possible consequences, this topic does not leave anyone indifferent. In addition, we will try to shed light on the possible solutions or approaches that can be adopted against Megistonyx, with the aim of offering a global and complete vision of this issue that is so relevant today.
| Megistonyx | |
|---|---|
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| Skull from holotype skeleton | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Pilosa |
| Family: | †Megalonychidae |
| Genus: | †Megistonyx Mcdonald et al., 2013 |
| Species: | †M. oreobios
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| Binomial name | |
| †Megistonyx oreobios Mcdonald et al., 2013
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Megistonyx is an extinct genus of ground sloth endemic to South America during the Late Pleistocene (Lujanian). It is known from one skeleton collected in the Andes of Venezuela, and is closely related to Ahytherium.[1]
History of discovery
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The holotype (and so far only known) specimen was found in a cave called Cueva de los Huesos (meaning "Bone Cave") on Cerro Pintado, a mountain found in the Serranía del Perijá range of the Andes, in the extreme northernmost part of the Sierra de Perijá National Park on the border between Venezuela and Colombia at an altitude of 3,200 metres (10,500 ft). The various known pieces of the skeleton were recovered in two expeditions to the cave in 1993 and 1997. The specimen was found in a scattered condition, with some bones being damaged, notably the skull was missing the left Squamosal bone. The specimen is currently known from the aforementioned skull, both a right and left humerus, a left ulna, two thoracic vertebrae, a complete rib and three rib fragments. There is apparently more of the specimen left in-situ in the cave. The age of the specimen was found to be approximately 17,300 Cal BP
Distribution and habitat
The specimen is approximately 17,000 years old, this would put the specimen just after the retreat of the glaciers after the Last Glacial Maximum, which could indicate a cold climate. However, the specimen is associated with fossils of Neochoerus (an extinct capybara) Mazama (brocket deer) and Tayassu (peccary), which could indicate a warmer, perhaps savanna-like climate.
References
- ^ Mcdonald, H. Gregory; Rincón, Ascanio D.; Gaudin, Timothy J. (September 2013). "A new genus of megalonychid sloth (Mammalia, Xenarthra) from the late Pleistocene (Lujanian) of Sierra de Perija, Zulia State, Venezuela". Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. 33 (5): 1226–1238. Bibcode:2013JVPal..33.1226M. doi:10.1080/02724634.2013.764883. S2CID 86159558.
